Question about buying at a distance

MarkSF · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

Looking at Yachtworld it seems that Catalina 30s in SF Bay area are not so common, at least for sale! I want an 89 or newer as they don't suffer from mast step issues, and want to get the newest boat I can afford. It looks like prices in LA and SD are lower in general.

I am slightly worried about buying from a distance, but it looks like I would save $5K on average and/or get a newer boat.

The boat would have to be shipped to SF. Is that a problem?

I could fly down and look at it but everything else would be done via e-mail and phone. Is that practical?

The boat is for sale through a broker so I guess they could help with these things.

GeorgeB · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

Mark, are you looking in the right places? C30s are still pretty popular here in the Bay. I suggest you call Dina or Roger at Farallone yachts. They have a pretty good bead on what is out there. You also want to check Latitude 38’s classifieds (both electronic and print). These boats usually move pretty quickly so I’m not surprised you don’t see a Yachtworld listing for them. You can buy from outside the area (like SoCal), but be forwarned, the transport costs will add significantly to your acquisition and you will be taking a bath at the point you decide to sell. Like the C34/36/42s these boats sell quickly but occasionally a bunch get on the market at the same time, you just have to be patient and dilligent! Enjoy your search!

bogdog · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

I would keep looking intently on the west coast for a while. Shipping a 30'er across the country would eat up 5-10K+ quickly. Even the northwest coast would be better than the east/Midwest. Dealing long distance has it's hazards as well. Be sure you find a brooker you can trust (there must be one somewhere), then survey, survey, survey! . Catalina 30s are good, but maybe opening up your search to include say; C&C, Hunter, Irwin, or many other good, production cruisers, would improve your odds of finding a good boat closer to your home. It isn't just the make, but how well it has been up graded and cared for that counts. Good luck.

WanderingStar · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011

I think he's looking at shipping across the state, might be more reasonable. I would advise you to deal directly with the shipper, not a shipping agent. I bought a boat in Fl by the method you describe, visiting twice then closing the deal. Then I sailed her home.

SuenosAzules · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011

Agree with Bgdog on this one. Be careful, "buyer beware" mentality and yes, after seeing the boat, survey survey survey!!!! A good survey report will tell you all you need to know.

SuenosAzules · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011

Agree with Bogdog on this one. Be careful, "buyer beware" mentality and yes, after seeing the boat, survey survey survey!!!! A good survey report will tell you all you need to know.

Minnewaska · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011

Consider bringing a surveyor from your home town. When at a distance, you must always worry whether the broker and the surveyor know each other. Even if they don't, the surveyor will want business from the broker when he is on the buying side with a client. I'm not saying they are all corrupt. If you bring your own, they only have you to make happy as they want to do your next boat too.